One third of new cars now has digital radio as standard

A major milestone has been reached this week with the announcement that one third of all new cars (33.3%) in Q4 2012 now has digital radio as standard, according to CAP/SMMT. Compared with 25.5% in Q3 2012, 20.8% in Q4 2011 (a year ago) and just 7.5% in Q4 2010 (two years ago) this shows just how far digital radio in-car has come.

In Q4 2012 there was a 76% increase in the number of cars registered fitted with digital radio as standard compared with Q4 2011.

It was a strong year for UK car sales, with sales up 5.3% up year on year. Of cars sold in 2012, 8 out of the top 10 cars sold now offer digital radio as standard, or have plans to do so in 2013. The 8 cars are:

- Ford Fiesta

- Vauxhall Corsa

- Ford Focus

- Vauxhall Astra

- VW Golf

- BMW 3 Series

- VW Polo

- BMW 1 Series

This is further evidence of the progress being made on digital radio by the vehicle industry and reflects the impact of the commitments made by major manufacturers such as Ford, Vauxhall, VW and BMW to transition to fully digital.

Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said:

"Over the past two years the number of cars that being fitted with digital radio has been increasing at a tremendous rate. 8 out of the top 10 most popular cars sold in the UK either now have digital radio as standard, or will do shortly, meaning more and more motorists will be able to enjoy all the benefits that digital has to offer."

Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, says:

"Reaching one third of new cars with digital radio as standard is a major milestone and shows real momentum from the automotive industry in the drive to digital. This is great news for motorists who want to listen to digital radio stations in their car, and good news for Government who are planning a decision on a radio switchover later in the year."